A common strategy for municipal wastewater effluent reuse in Apulia, South Italy and Crete, Greece

The Apulian Region, characterized by average rainfalls of less than 600 mm is historically a water-deficient area with supplies heavily depending on importations from neighbouring areas to meet domestic, agricultural and industrial needs (Bonomo et al, 1999). Crete is characterized by less than 500 mm of rainfall and has among the highest average temperature in Europe. (Gikas and Tchobanoglous, 2009). This paper reports the Apulian and Greek experience in utilization of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluent for agricultural purposes. A research program aimed at determining a safe and cost-effective agricultural wastewater reuse protocol has been implemented by the Consorzio of Capitanata in cooperation with the local water Authority, Acquedotto Pugliese, (AQP S.p.A.) and Polytechnic of Bari. Within this study, experiments were conducted by Consorzio di Bonifica of Capitanata (North of Apulia) that aimed to verify the adequacy of the municipal WWTP treatment in the effluent application for agricultural purpose and to evaluate the variation in the soil chemistry composition and groundwater characteristics in the irrigated area. In Crete an experimental wastewater tests or survey has been also implemented. A survey of the installations waste water treatment plant for irrigation reuse in Apulia (South East of Italy) and in Crete, have been reported. Particularly, results in terms of wastewater quality “at the crop” have been reported. The objective of the present paper is to compare the results from Italian and Greek experiences on wastewater reuse and to suggest a common strategy for implementing a new policy for wastewater. As a consequence of the Italian and Greek field experience, following the irrigation period with treated wastewater, soil and groundwater characteristics have maintained a comparable qualitative state In the semi-arid regions such as Southern Italy, and Crete, the additional resources brought by wastewater reuse can bring significant advantages to agriculture (e.g. crop irrigation) and tourism (e.g. golf course irrigation). Several problems arise with respect to SST and BOD that we concur can be elevated parameters because of the tolerance shown by crops. It is suggested the improvement of the artificial groundwater recharge because this is becoming increasingly important in groundwater management and particularly where the conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater resources is planned.